US8333299B2 - Leak resistant drinking cup - Google Patents

Abstract

A leak resistant drinking cup has a container with an open top and a lid assembly for removable attachment to the container for selectively closing the open top. The lid assembly includes a liquid discharge member for allowing liquid in the container to exit the cup. A closure member is adapted for placement adjacent the open top of the container when the lid assembly is attached to the container. A flexible diaphragm is moveable between a sealed position and an unsealed position. The diaphragm is moveable from the sealed position to the unsealed portion by a vacuum being applied to the diaphragm by a user sucking on the liquid discharge member. The vacuum causes the diaphragm to flex toward the container and at least in part away from the closure member and thereby move the diaphragm from the sealed position to the unsealed position.

Description

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to leak resistant drinking cups and more particularly to a leak resistant drinking cup having a diaphragm that is moveable between a sealed position and an unsealed position.

Leak resistant drinking cups are often adapted for use by young children (e.g., infants, toddlers, preschoolers). These types of drinking cups are configured so that when they are turned over, liquid inside the cup is prevented from spilling out of the cup by a valve or valve assembly. Usually, the cup includes a container with an open top for receiving and holding liquids therein and a relatively rigid cover for closing the open top of the container. A spout is typically formed as one-piece with the rigid cover for allowing a child to drink from the cup. The cover can be releasably attached (e.g., snapped or screwed on) to the container.

The valve or valve assembly is typically disposed between the cover and the container and can be moved from a closed, sealing position to an opened, unsealing position to allow liquid to pass out of the cup for drinking. Most commonly, the valve is actuated by a vacuum pressure applied by the user to the interior of the cup by sucking on the spout. The applied vacuum pressure causes the valve to move or otherwise deform in such a way (i.e., move toward the spout) that a path past the valve is exposed so liquid can flow out of the cup. It is possible that the valve might be actuated in other ways, such as a purely mechanical actuation, but for young children vacuum pressure actuation is most preferable because the only time the valve is open is when the child is in the act of taking a drink.

Vacuum pressure actuated drinking cups of the type just described have certain problems generally associated with balancing the need to assure positive sealing with the need to make the cup easy to use for the child. A strong seal by the valve requires a relatively large vacuum to open, making it hard for the child to use. A valve having a seal that requires a lower vacuum pressure to open may not seal tightly enough to prevent at least some liquid flowing past it, especially when dropped, swung, shaken, or impacted. Thus, valves having low vacuum pressure actuated seals are typically prone to leak.

Frequently, conventional valves are relatively small and located under the spout. These types of valves often require a substantial vacuum pressure to actuate because the pressure acts on only a relatively small area of the valve. In other words, children will have to suck with significant effort to get the valve to open and obtain a drink, which makes the cup less desirable to the child.

In one conventional configuration, the valve or valve assembly can be permanently attached to the cover. During normal use of the cup, the valve or valve assembly will become fouled with liquid and particulates in the liquid. Although cleaning is possible, it is very difficult to clean the entire valve/valve assembly or the entire cover. Disassembly of the valve/valve assembly from the cover in this type of configuration would result in destruction of the valve/valve assembly or cover. As a result, it is difficult for caregivers to provide the child with a drinking cup that has a clean valve/valve assembly and cover in repeated uses of these types of drinking cups.

In another conventional configuration, the valve or valve assembly can be disassembled from the cover for cleaning. Even with the capability of being disassembled for cleaning, some known valves and valves assemblies are still prone to fouling. Some valves and valve assemblies are difficult to detach and reassemble as they require precise alignment or orientation. Moreover, small valves or pieces of a valve assembly may be easily lost or pose a danger to the child if the cup becomes disassembled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a leak resistant drinking cup generally comprises a container for receiving and holding a quantity of liquid for drinking. The container has an open top. A lid assembly is adapted for removable attachment to the container for selectively closing the open top. The lid assembly comprises a liquid discharge member for allowing liquid in the container to exit the cup during drinking. A closure member is adapted for placement adjacent the open top of the container when the lid assembly is attached to the container. A flexible diaphragm is moveable between a sealed position in which the diaphragm blocks the flow of liquid from the container to the liquid discharge member, and an unsealed position in which liquid is permitted to flow from the container to the liquid discharge member. The diaphragm is moveable from the sealed position to the unsealed portion by a vacuum being applied to the diaphragm by a user sucking on the liquid discharge member. The vacuum causes the diaphragm to flex toward the container and at least in part away from the closure member and thereby move the diaphragm from the sealed position to the unsealed position.

In another aspect, a leak resistant drinking cup generally comprises a container for receiving and holding a quantity of liquid for drinking. The container has an open top. A lid assembly is adapted for removable attachment to the container for selectively closing the open top. The lid assembly comprises a liquid discharge member for allowing liquid in the container to exit the cup during drinking. A flexible diaphragm is moveable between a sealed position in which the diaphragm blocks the flow of liquid from the container to the liquid discharge member, and an unsealed position in which liquid is permitted to flow from the container to the liquid discharge member. The diaphragm is biased toward the sealed position and away from the container.

Another aspect is generally directed to a leak resistant drinking cup generally comprising a container for receiving and holding a quantity of liquid for drinking. The container has an open top. A lid assembly is adapted for removable attachment to the container for selectively closing the open top. The lid assembly comprises a liquid discharge member for allowing liquid in the container to exit the cup during drinking. A closure member is adapted for placement adjacent the open top of the container when the lid assembly is attached to the container. A flexible diaphragm is moveable between a sealed position in which the diaphragm blocks the flow of liquid from the container to the liquid discharge member, and an unsealed position in which liquid is permitted to flow from the container to the liquid discharge member. The diaphragm is moved toward its sealed position by pressure within the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of one embodiment of a leak resistant drinking cup.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective of the cup.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the cup with a lid removed therefrom.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical cross-section of the cup illustrating a diaphragm thereof in a sealed position.

FIG. 4A is an enlargement of the encircled portion ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical cross-section of the cup illustrating a portion of the diaphragm being deflected downward but still in its sealed position.

FIG. 5A is an enlargement of the encircled portion ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical cross-section similar toFIG. 4 but illustrating the diaphragm in an unsealed position.

FIG. 6A is an enlargement of the encircled portion ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary vertical cross-section of the cup illustrating a diaphragm thereof returned to the sealed position from the unsealed position and a portion deflected downward.

FIG. 7A is an enlargement of the encircled portion ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a perspective of a cover of the cup.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the cover.

FIG. 10 is a top plan of the cover.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan of the cover.

FIG. 12 is a perspective of the diaphragm.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of the diaphragm.

FIG. 14 is a top plan of the diaphragm.

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan of the diaphragm.

FIG. 16 is a perspective of a closure member.

FIG. 17 is a side elevation of the closure member.

FIG. 18 is a top plan of the closure member.

FIG. 19 is a bottom plan of the closure member.

FIG. 20 is a perspective of another embodiment of a cover of the cup.

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective of another embodiment of a closure member of the cup.

FIG. 22 is a vertical cross-section of the cup having the cover ofFIG. 20 and the closure member ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a vertical cross-section of the cup having a non-rigid container.

FIG. 24 is a vertical cross-section of a leak resistant drinking cup in the form of a sports bottle.

FIG. 25 is a vertical cross-section of a leak resistant drinking cup in the form of a commuter cup.

FIG. 26 is a vertical cross-section of another embodiment of a leak resistant drinking cup, the cup being seen in a tilted, drinking position.

FIG. 27 is a vertical cross-section of yet another embodiment of a leak resistant drinking cup, the cup being seen in a tilted, drinking position.

FIG. 28 is a vertical cross-section of still yet another embodiment of a leak resistant drinking cup, the cup having a longitudinally extending fluid guide.

FIG. 29 is a vertical cross-section of another embodiment of a leak resistant drinking cup, the cup having a transverse extending fluid guide.

FIG. 30 is a vertical cross-section of an embodiment of a leak resistant drinking appliance being operatively connected to a source of liquid.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings and in particular toFIGS. 1 and 2, a leak resistant drinking cup, generally indicated at1, includes a container, which is generally indicated at3, and a lid assembly, which is generally indicated at9. The illustratedcontainer3 is generally cylindrical and symmetric about a central axis. Thecontainer3 has aclosed bottom5, anopen top7, and a generallycylindrical side wall6 extending between the closed bottom and the open top. Thecylindrical side wall6 includes abase portion8, atop portion10, and a concavedmiddle portion12 extending between the base and top portions. Themiddle portion12 of theside wall6 of the illustratedcontainer3 is concaved to facilitate grasping of the container and thereby thecup1. It is understood, however, that themiddle portion12 can be convex or generally straight. Thebase portion8 of theside wall6 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apartnubs14. Thetop portion10 of theside wall6 has a circularupper edge21, anattachment collar23 disposed beneath and adjacent to the upper edge, and ashoulder25 disposed below the attachment collar. Theattachment collar23 hasexternal threads27 thereon.

The illustratedcontainer3 has a liquid chamber adapted to hold a quantity of liquid for consumption by a user, such as a small child. More specifically, the illustratedcontainer3 is adapted to hold approximately 6 ounces of liquid. It is to be understood, however, that thecup1 can be sized to hold other quantities of liquid (e.g., 9 ounces, 12 ounces, 20 ounces, etc.). For example, thecontainer3 can be adapted for older children or adults and hold larger quantities of liquid. It is also understood that thecontainer3 can have a different configuration than the one illustrated herein, such as a sports bottle, a drink tumbler, a commuter cup, etc. Thecontainer3 can be made of any suitable material such as, without limitation, polypropylene, aluminum, or stainless steel. Thecontainer3 can also be made in any desired color or colors, and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. Thecontainer3 can be rigid as illustrated inFIGS. 1-3 or non-rigid as illustrated inFIG. 23.

Thelid assembly9 of thecup1 is adapted for removable attachment to thecontainer3 for selectively closing theopen top7 of the container. Thelid assembly9, as illustrated inFIG. 2, comprises acover11, aclosure member13, and adiaphragm15 disposed between the cover and the closure member (each of the lid assembly components being indicated generally by their respective reference numbers). As described in more detail below, thediaphragm15 is operable to block the flow of liquid from thecontainer3 to prevent liquid from being spilled when thecup1 is tipped over. Thediaphragm15 can be deflected, flexed, or otherwise moved by an application of vacuum pressure applied by a user drinking from the cup to permit liquid in thecontainer3 to flow past the diaphragm and out of the cup. Thecover11,closure member13, and diaphragm can be made of any suitable materials. In one embodiment, thecover11 andclosure member13, for example, can be made of polypropylene and thediaphragm15 can be made of silicone. Thecover11,closure member13 anddiaphragm15 can be made in any desired color or colors, and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.

The illustratedcup1 also includes a cap, indicated generally at17, that is removeably securable to thecover11 via a snap-fit connection. Thecap17 can be selectively placed on thecover11 during periods of non-use (e.g., storage, travel) of thecup1, as illustrated inFIG. 1, and removed during periods of use. Thecap17 is removed from thecup1 inFIG. 3. Thecap17 can be made of any suitable material, such as polypropylene, and can be made in any desired color or colors, and may be transparent (as illustrated), translucent, or opaque. It is understood that thecap17 can be omitted from thecup1.

As seen inFIG. 2, the illustratedcup1 includes a handle assembly, indicated generally at19. Thehandle assembly19 has anannular hub18 and a pair ofgrips20 extending outward and downward from the ring. Theannular hub18 is sized and shaped for engaging theshoulder25 of thecontainer3. When theannular hub18 is placed into engagement with thecontainer3, the annular hub rests on theshoulder25 of the container and theattachment collar23 of the container extends upward through the annular ring. Thegrips20 of thehandle assembly19 are adapted for grasping by the user of the cup. It is contemplated that the handle assembly can include a single grip or can be omitted from the cup altogether. It is also contemplated that the handle assembly can be formed integral with thecontainer3.

With reference now toFIGS. 8-11, thecover11 of thelid assembly9 includes a domed,upper portion39 and aperipheral skirt35 depending from the upper portion. Theupper portion39 includes a relatively small, generallycircular aperture41 in its center and a relatively larger generally oblong orelliptical opening49 spaced from the central aperture and adjacent theperipheral skirt35. As illustrated inFIG. 11, thecover11 has aninner socket36 withinternal threads37 for releasably mating with theexternal threads27 of theattachment collar23 of thecontainer3. Theinner socket36 is spaced transversely inward from theperipheral skirt35. Thecover11 also includes aninterior rib38 extending downward from an inner surface of the domed,upper portion39. Theinterior rib38 defines the outer boundary of arecess40 formed in the interior surface of the domed,upper portion39 of thecover11.

As illustrated inFIGS. 12-15, thediaphragm15 has a roughly disk-shapedportion42, anannular rim44 depending from the disk-shaped portion, and a spout46 (broadly, a “liquid discharge member”) projecting up from the disk-shaped portion adjacent the annular rim. Thespout46 is sized and shaped for projecting up through theelliptical opening49 in thecover11 when the cover anddiaphragm15 are assembled. Thespout46 includes a circumscribingrib48 for cooperating with a part of the disk-shapedportion42 of thediaphragm15 to capture a portion of thecover11 adjacent theelliptical opening49 therein (see, e.g.,FIG. 4). Thespout46 includes apassageway47 and anopening45 for allowing liquid to exit or discharge thedrinking cup1. It is understood that the liquid discharge member can be other than a spout, e.g., an elliptical opening similar to theelliptical opening49 in thecover11.

The disk-shapedportion42 of thediaphragm15 has an upper surface50 (FIG. 14) and a lower surface52 (FIG. 15). As seen inFIGS. 12 and 14, theupper surface50 includes an annular taperedgroove54, acentral aperture56, and asloped wall58 adjacent to and sloping towards the central aperture. Thelower surface52 of the disk-shapedportion42 includes a recessedcenter60 that is in fluid communication with the spout46 (FIG. 15). With particular reference toFIG. 4, atubular stem62 has a generally mushroom shapedtip64 that depends from the recessedcenter60 of the disk-shapedportion42 of thediaphragm15. Thetubular stem62 and thetip64 collectively defining a sealing member of thediaphragm15. Thetip64 includes ahollow dome66 and is sized in cross-section larger than thestem62 to form anannular shoulder68 adjacent the stem. In one embodiment (not shown), thehollow dome66 of thetip64 can include a slit to provide a one-way valve to relieve (e.g., vent) excessive vacuum inside thecontainer3.

As illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 15, theannular rim44 depends from thelower surface52 of thediaphragm15 and includes a generally planar ring-shapedupper member70, avertical wall member72 extending downward from the upper member, and alower member74 extending inward from the vertical wall member and spaced from the upper member. Theupper member70,vertical wall member72, andlower member74, cooperatively define achannel76, which is illustrated inFIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, thediaphragm15 is formed as one-piece but it is contemplated that any part, including thetip64, the disk-shapedportion42, theannular rim44, thespout46, and/or portions thereof can be formed as separate pieces.

Referring toFIGS. 16-19, theclosure member13 of thelid assembly9 comprises anupper base member80, alower base member82, and a taperedmember84 extending between the upper and lower base members. The taperedmember84 slopes from theupper base member80 to thelower base member82. Theupper base member80 has a mountingband85 extending about the circumference of the upper base member. The mountingband85 extends above and below theupper base member80. In other words, the mountingband85 has a height that is greater than the thickness of theupper base member80. Anannular rib86 is spaced inward from the mountingband85 and extends downward from theupper base member80. It is contemplated, however, that theannular rib86 can be omitted. It is also contemplated that theclosure member13 can be generally flat with the upper andlower base members80,82 being generally in the same plane and the taperedmember84 being omitted.

A plurality of spaced, elongateupper protuberances87 are disposed on theupper base member80 adjacent the taperedmember84. The illustrated embodiment includes eightupper protuberances87 but it is understood that more or fewer upper protuberances can be provided. Thelower base member82 includes acentral opening88 and a plurality of spaced, elongatelower protuberances89 disposed adjacent the central opening. The illustrated embodiment includes fourlower protuberances89 but it is understood that more or fewer lower protuberances can be provided. It is contemplated that protuberances can be provided on thediaphragm15 instead of or in addition to the upper andlower protuberances87,89 provided on theclosure member13.

The illustrateddrinking cup1 can be repeatedly taken apart for thorough cleaning and reassembled for the next use. The separable components (as seen inFIG. 2) are all relatively large so that they are easy to handle, are not easily lost, and do not pose a danger to small children. In addition, the number of separable components is minimized to make assembly and reassembly of thecup1 relatively easy without comprising the ability to clean each of the components. As mentioned above, thecap17 can be easily removed from or secured to thedrinking cup1 via its snap-fit connection with thecover11. Thecover11, in the illustrated embodiment, can be removed from or secured to thecontainer3 via its threaded connection therewith. That is, theinternal threads37 of theinner socket36 of thecover11 can be engaged with and disengaged from theexternal threads27 on theattachment collar23 of thecontainer3. Other forms and structures for making a releasable connection between thecover11 and thecontainer3 may be used. For instance, thecover11 may have a snap-fit connection with thecontainer3. Theclosure member13,diaphragm15, and handleassembly19 are captured between thecover11 and thecontainer3 when the cover is screwed onto (or otherwise attached to) the container. Thus, all of the components of thecup1 can be easily separated, cleaned and reassembled.

Thediaphragm15 can be snapped onto and off of theclosure member13. More particularly, thediaphragm15 can be releasably coupled to theclosure member13 by inserting the mountingband85 of the closure member into thechannel76 of the diaphragm and inserting the mushroom-shapedtip64 through thecentral opening88 in the closure member. Thelower member74 of theannular rim44 of thediaphragm15 sealing bears against theupper edge21 of thecontainer3 when then the cover is screwed onto the container. Thespout46 of thediaphragm15 extends up through theelliptical opening49 in thecover11. The circumscribingrib48 extending circumferentially about thespout46 cooperates with part of the disk-shapedportion42 to capture a portion of thecover11 that is adjacent theopening49. Theinterior rib38 of thecover11 is received in the taperedgroove54 of thediaphragm15.

As seen inFIG. 4, thecover11 anddiaphragm15 cooperatively define a first interior chamber92 (broadly, a “vent chamber”). More specifically, therecess40 in the domed,upper portion39 of thecover11, theupper surface50 of the disk-shapedportion42 of thediaphragm15, thetubular stem62, and thehollow dome66 of thetip64 cooperate to define the firstinterior chamber92. The firstinterior chamber92 is in fluid communication with theaperture41 in thecover11 and therefore is maintained generally at atmospheric pressure. A second interior chamber94 (broadly, a “vacuum chamber”) is defined between theclosure member13 and thediaphragm15. Specifically, thelower surface52 and recessedcenter60 of thediaphragm15 and thelower base member82 and taperedmember84 of theclosure member13 cooperatively define the secondinterior chamber94. A portion of thediaphragm15 is in contact with theupper base member80 ofclosure member13 to minimize the volume of the secondinterior chamber94. This facilitates faster priming of thecup1 during use by minimizing the amount of air that needs to be removed from the secondinterior chamber94 before the diaphragm is moved to its unsealed position and thereby allows liquid flow to begin.

Referring now toFIGS. 4-7A, it is easy for a small child to get a drink out of thedrinking cup1 by placing her lips around thespout46 so as to form a seal with the spout, tilting the cup so that liquid in thecontainer3 flows into contact with the lid assembly, and sucking on the spout. Sucking on thespout46 removes some of the air from the secondinterior chamber94 of thecup1, vacuum is thus drawn on the secondinterior chamber94, causing thediaphragm15 to move from a sealed position (FIGS. 4 and 4A) to an unsealed position (FIGS. 6 and 6A). More specifically, the vacuum causes theupper surface50 of the disk-shapedportion42 of thediaphragm15 to flex downward relative to theclosure member13 thereby decreasing the volume of the secondinterior chamber94 from a first volume (FIGS. 4 and 4A) to a second, lesser volume (FIGS. 5 and 5A).

Theupper protuberances87 of theclosure member13 act as a fulcrum about which thediaphragm15 flexes. Theupper protuberances87 also act in cooperation with theinterior rib38 of thecover11 to define a pinch point for capturing a portion of thediaphragm15. Thelower protuberances89 of the closure member act as a stop to prevent thediaphragm15 from engaging and forming a seal with a portion of the closure member about thecentral opening88 in the closure member. The spacing between each of theupper protuberances87 and the spacing between each of thelower protuberances89 provide pathways for the liquid within thecontainer3 to flow. Thediaphragm15 is more flexible than theclosure member13. In one suitable embodiment, the diaphragm is elastomeric and has a durometer of about 75 (type A scale).

Continued flexure of thediaphragm15, as seen inFIGS. 6 and 6A, causes thetubular stem62 and the mushroom-shapedtip64 of the diaphragm to move downward relative to theclosure member13. As a result, theannular shoulder68 of thetip64 moves from a position in sealing contact with theclosure member13 adjacent the central opening88 (FIGS. 4-5A), which defines the sealed position of thediaphragm15, to a position wherein theannular shoulder68 is at least partially spaced from the portion of theclosure member13 adjacent the central opening (FIGS. 6 and 6A), which defines the unsealed position of the diaphragm. With theannular shoulder68 of thetip64 spaced fromclosure member13, apassageway96 is formed allowing liquid within the container to flow into the secondinterior chamber94 of thecup1. That is, liquid is permitted to flow past thediaphragm15, through thecentral opening88 in theclosure member13, through the secondinterior chamber94 and into thespout46 for drinking.

The amount of vacuum pressure, which is applied by the user sucking on thespout46, needed to move thediaphragm15 between its sealed and unsealed positions can be predetermined by varying the area of the diaphragm (i.e., theannular shoulder68 of the tip64) and the area of theclosure member13 that is contacted by the diaphragm. In one embodiment, the amount of vacuum pressure needed to move thediaphragm15 between its sealed and unsealed position is less than100 inches of water. In one suitable embodiment, for example, the amount of vacuum pressure needed to move thediaphragm15 between its sealed and unsealed position is about 47 inches of water.

As liquid is drawn out of thecontainer3 by the child, liquid fills the reduced volume of the secondinterior chamber94 of thecup1 thereby gradually reducing the vacuum therein. As the vacuum pressure within the secondinterior chamber94 approaches equilibrium with the pressure withincontainer3, the resiliency of thediaphragm15 causes it to move back to the sealed position. In doing so, theupper surface50 of the disk-shapedportion42 of thediaphragm15 flexes upward aboutupper protuberances87 of theclosure member13 thereby conjointly moving thetubular stem62 andtip64 upward to the sealed position illustrated inFIG. 4. In this sealed position, theannular shoulder68 of thetip64 of thediaphragm15 sealingly engages the portion of theclosure member13 adjacent thecentral opening88 therein in a liquid-tight manner. Moreover, thetubular stem62 andtip64 of thediaphragm15 are biased toward the sealed position by the resiliency of thediaphragm15.

Thediaphragm15, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 7A, continues to flex upward (i.e., away from the container3) even after the diaphragm has returned to its sealed position. As a result, the volume of the secondinterior chamber94 increases from the second, lesser volume (FIGS. 7 and 7A) to the first, greater volume (FIGS. 4 and 4A). This increase in volume within the secondinterior chamber94 creates a vacuum pressure that draws any residual liquid away from theopening45 in thespout46.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member of the diaphragm15 (i.e., thetubular stem62 and the tip64) is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of thecup1. It is understood, however, that the sealing member can be spaced from and/or oriented orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of thecup1 without departing from the scope of this invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective of another embodiment of acover111 of thecup1. Thecover111 illustrated inFIG. 20 is similar to thecover11 ofFIGS. 1-19 except that the cover of this embodiment includes aspout shield151 for covering thespout46 of thediaphragm15. Thus, thecover111 includes a domed,upper portion139 and aperipheral skirt135 depending from the upper portion. Theupper portion139 includes a relatively small, generallycircular aperture141 in its center. As illustrated inFIG. 22, thespout shield151 of this embodiment is sized and shaped for receiving thespout46 of thediaphragm15 therein, thereby providing a relatively rigid cover for the relatively soft, flexible spout. The circumscribingrib48 of thespout46 acts as an o-ring in this embodiment by sealingly engaging the interior surface of the spout shield.

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective of another embodiment of aclosure member113 of thecup1. As in the previous embodiment ofFIGS. 1-19, theclosure member113 of this embodiment includes anupper base member180, alower base member182, and atapered member184 extending between the upper and lower base members. The taperedmember184 slopes from theupper base member180 to thelower base member182. Theupper base member180 has a mountingband185 extending about the circumference of the upper base member. The mountingband185 extends above and below theupper base member180. In other words, the mountingband185 has a height that is greater than the thickness of theupper base member180. Anannular rib186 is spaced inward from the mountingband185 and extends downward from theupper base member180. It is contemplated, however, that theannular rib186 may be omitted. A plurality of spaced, elongate upper protuberances (not shown but similar to theupper protuberances87 ofFIG. 16) are disposed on theupper base member180 adjacent the taperedmember184. Thelower base member182 includes acentral opening188 and a plurality of spaced, elongate lower protuberances (not shown but similar to thelower protuberances89 ofFIG. 16) disposed adjacent the central opening. Theclosure member113 of this embodiment includes threegrip tabs195 depending from the lower surface thereof. Thesegrip tabs195 provide finger grips to facilitate disassembly of theclosure member113 and thediaphragm15 from thecover111. In use, the user can grip one or more of thegrip tabs195 and pull theclosure member113 anddiaphragm15 from engagement with thecover111. While threegrip tabs195 are illustrated, more orfewer grip tabs195 can be provided.

FIG. 23 is a vertical cross-section of thecup1 illustrating another embodiment of a container, indicated generally at203. In this embodiment, thecontainer203 is at least partially non-rigid and, as a result, can be flexible and/or collapsible. In suitable embodiments, thenon-rigid container203 can be in the form of a bag (e.g., a foil pouch) or a box (e.g., a juice box). Since the sealed position ofdiaphragm15 is in a direction away from thecontainer203, squeezing of thenon-rigid container203 causes the pressure within the container to increase and, thereby, creates a greater seal between thediaphragm15 and theclosure member113. Thus, liquids contained within thenon-rigid container203 are held in a leak-tight manner within the container even when the non-rigid container is squeezed. Stated another way, thediaphragm15 has a first sealing pressure in its sealed position and a second, greater sealing pressure when thenon-rigid container203 is squeezed.

FIG. 24 is a vertical cross-section of thecup1 illustrating yet another embodiment of a container, indicated generally at303. In this embodiment, thecontainer303 is in the form of a sports bottle.FIG. 25 is a vertical cross-section of thecup1 illustrating still yet another embodiment of a container, indicated generally at403. In this embodiment, thecontainer403 is in the form of a commuter cup. In this embodiment, thespout46 of thediaphragm15 and thespout shield151 of thecover111 are shorter than in the previously described embodiments.

Another embodiment of a leak resistant drinking cup, generally indicated at501, is illustrated inFIG. 26. Thecup501 is illustrated in a tilted, drinking position. Thecup501 includes a container, which is generally indicated at503, and a generally frustum lid assembly, which is generally indicated at509. Thelid assembly509 of thecup501 is adapted for removable attachment to thecontainer503 for selectively closing the container. Thelid assembly509 comprises acover511, aclosure member513, and adiaphragm515 disposed between the cover and the closure member. A cap (not shown but similar to thecap17 seen inFIGS. 1 and2) can be selectively secured to thecover511 via a snap-fit connection. The cap can be selectively placed on thecover511 during periods of non-use (e.g., storage, travel) of thecup501 and removed during periods of use.

Thecover511 of thelid assembly509 includes anupper portion539 and aperipheral skirt535 depending from the upper portion. Theupper portion539 includes a relatively small, generallycircular aperture541 in its center and a relatively larger generally oblong orelliptical opening549 spaced from the central aperture. Theperipheral skirt535 of thecover511 hasinternal threads537 for releasably mating withexternal threads527 of thecontainer503. Thecover511 also includes aninterior rib538 extending downward from an inner surface of theupper portion539. Theupper portion539 includes aplateau member539aand asloped member539bextending between the plateau and theperipheral skirt535.

As seen inFIG. 26, thediaphragm515 has a shape that generally compliments the shape of thecover511. Thediaphragm515 includes a disk-shapedportion542, a slopedportion543 extending from the disk-shaped portion, and anannular rim544 depending from the disk-shaped portion. A spout546 (broadly, a “liquid discharge member”) projects outward from the slopedportion543 and is sized and shaped for projecting up through theelliptical opening549 in thecover511 when the cover anddiaphragm515 are assembled. Thespout546 includes apassageway547 and anopening545 for allowing liquid to exit or discharge thedrinking cup501.

The disk-shapedportion542 of thediaphragm515 has anupper surface550 and alower surface552. As seen inFIG. 26, theupper surface550 includes an annulartapered groove554 and thelower surface552 includes a recessedcenter560 that is in fluid communication with thespout546. Atubular stem562 has a generally mushroom shapedtip564 that depends from the recessedcenter560 of the disk-shapedportion542 of thediaphragm515. Thetubular stem562 and thetip564 collectively defining a sealing member of thediaphragm515. Thetip564 includes ahollow dome566 and is sized in cross-section larger than thestem562 to form anannular shoulder568 adjacent the stem. Thehollow dome566 of thetip564 include aslit567 to provide a one-way valve to relieve (e.g., vent) excessive vacuum inside thecontainer503.

Theclosure member513 of thelid assembly509 comprises anupper base member580, acentral opening588 in the upper base member, and a tapered member584 extending outward from the upper member. The tapered member584 has a mountingband585 extending about the circumference of the upper base member. Thediaphragm515 can be releasably coupled to theclosure member513 by joining the mountingband585 of the closure member to theannular rim544 of the diaphragm and inserting the mushroom-shapedtip564 through thecentral opening588 in the closure member. Theannular rim544 of thediaphragm515 sealing bears against an upper edge of thecontainer503 when then thecover511 is screwed onto the container. Thespout546 of thediaphragm515 extends up through theelliptical opening549 in thecover511. Theinterior rib538 of thecover511 is received in the taperedgroove554 of thediaphragm515. Thecover511 anddiaphragm515 cooperatively define a first interior chamber592 (broadly, a “vent chamber”) and a second interior chamber594 (broadly, a “vacuum chamber”) is defined between theclosure member513 and thediaphragm515.

It is easy for a small child to get a drink out of thedrinking cup501 by placing her lips around thespout546 so as to form a seal with the spout, tilting the cup (e.g., as seen inFIG. 26) so that liquid in thecontainer503 flows into contact with the lid assembly, and sucking on the spout. Sucking on thespout546 removes some of the air from the secondinterior chamber594 of thecup501, vacuum is thus drawn on the secondinterior chamber594, causing thediaphragm515 to move from a sealed position to an unsealed position. In this embodiment, the tapered member584 of theclosure member513 directs liquid in the container toward thecentral opening588 as illustrated byarrows591. As the volume of liquid within thecontainer503 is reduced, the tapered member584 funnels the remaining liquid toward thecentral opening588 where it can pass through theclosure member513 and into the secondinterior chamber594. From the secondinterior chamber594, the liquid can flow freely into thechannel547 in thespout546 and out theopening545 therein for consumption by the child using thecup501.

FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment of a leak resistant drinking cup, indicated generally at601, having a container603 and a lid assembly609. The cup601 is illustrated in a tilted, drinking position. The lid assembly609 comprises a cover611, a closure member613, and a diaphragm615 disposed between the cover and the closure member. The cover611 includes a domed upper portion639 and a peripheral skirt635 depending from the upper portion. The upper portion639 includes a relatively small, generally circular aperture641 in its center and a relatively larger generally oblong or elliptical opening649 spaced from the central aperture. The peripheral skirt635 of the cover611 has internal threads637 for releasably mating with external threads627 of the container603.

As seen inFIG. 27, the diaphragm615 includes a disk-shaped portion642, an annular rim644, and a spout646 (broadly, a “liquid discharge member”) projecting outward from the disk-shaped portion. The spout646 is sized and shaped for projecting up through the elliptical opening649 in the cover611 when the cover and diaphragm615 are assembled. The spout646 includes a passageway647 and an opening645 for allowing liquid to exit or discharge the drinking cup601.

The disk-shaped portion642 of the diaphragm615 has an upper surface650 and a lower surface652. As seen inFIG. 26, the lower surface652 includes a recessed center660 that is in fluid communication with the spout646. A tubular stem662 has a generally mushroom shaped tip664 that depends from the recessed center660 of the disk-shaped portion642 of the diaphragm615. The tubular stem662 and the tip664 collectively defining a sealing member of the diaphragm615. The tip664 includes a hollow dome666 and is sized in cross-section larger than the stem662 to form an annular shoulder668 adjacent the stem. The hollow dome666 of the tip664 include a slit667 to provide a one-way valve to relieve (e.g., vent) excessive vacuum inside the container603.

The closure member613 of the lid assembly609 comprises a base member680 having a central opening688 therethrough. The base member680 has a generally planar upper surface688aand a sloped lower surface688b. The lower surface688bis sloped toward the central opening688 in the closure member613. The base member680 has a mounting band685 extending about the circumference of the upper base member. The diaphragm615 can be releasably coupled to the closure member613 by joining the mounting band685 of the closure member to the annular rim644 of the diaphragm and inserting the mushroom-shaped tip664 through the central opening688 in the closure member. The annular rim644 of the diaphragm615 sealing bears against an upper edge of the container603 when then the cover611 is screwed onto the container. The spout646 of the diaphragm615 extends up through the elliptical opening649 in the cover611. The cover611 and diaphragm615 cooperatively define a first interior chamber692 (broadly, a “vent chamber”) and a second interior chamber694 (broadly, a “vacuum chamber”) is defined between the closure member613 and the diaphragm615.

It is easy for a small child to get a drink out of the drinking cup601 by placing her lips around the spout646 so as to form a seal with the spout, tilting the cup (e.g., as seen inFIG. 27) so that liquid in the container603 flows into contact with the lid assembly, and sucking on the spout. Sucking on the spout646 removes some of the air from the second interior chamber694 of the cup601, vacuum is thus drawn on the second interior chamber694, causing the diaphragm615 to move from a sealed position to an unsealed position. In this embodiment, the sloped lower surface668aof the base member688 of the closure member613 directs liquid in the container toward the central opening688 as illustrated by arrows691. As the volume of liquid within the container603 is reduced, the sloped lower surface688bfunnels the remaining liquid toward the central opening688 where it can pass through the closure member613 and into the second interior chamber694. From the second interior chamber694, the liquid can flow freely into the channel647 in the spout646 and out the opening645 therein for consumption by the child using the cup601.

FIG. 28 illustrates another embodiment of a leak resistant drinking cup, indicated generally at701, having acontainer703 and alid assembly709. Thelid assembly709 comprises acover711, aclosure member713, and adiaphragm715 disposed between the cover and the closure member. The illustratedcover711 anddiaphragm715 are substantially the same as the cover611 and diaphragm615 illustrated inFIG. 27 and therefore will not be described in detail.

Theclosure member713 of thelid assembly709 comprises abase member780 having acentral opening788 therethrough. Thebase member780 has a mountingband785 extending about its circumference. A firstannular rib786 is spaced inward from the mountingband785 and extends downward from thebase member780. A secondannular rib793 is located between the firstannular rib786 and thecentral opening788. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondannular rib793 is disposed generally adjacent thecentral opening788. A longitudinally extendingfluid guide tube797 is frictionally attached to the secondannular rib793. During use of thecup701, thefluid guide tube797 directs fluid toward a sealing member of thediaphragm715.

FIG. 29 illustrates another embodiment of a leak resistant drinking cup, indicated generally at801, having acontainer803 and alid assembly809. Thelid assembly809 comprises acover811, aclosure member813, and adiaphragm815 disposed between the cover and the closure member. The illustratedcover811,closure member813, anddiaphragm815 are substantially the same as thecover711,closure member713, anddiaphragm715 illustrated inFIG. 28 and therefore will not be described in detail. This embodiment of thecup801, however, has a transversely extendingfluid guide tube897 that is frictionally attached to theclosure member813. During use of thecup801, thefluid guide tube897 directs fluid toward a sealing member of thediaphragm815.

FIG. 30 illustrates one embodiment of a leak resistant drinking appliance, indicated generally at901. Thedrinking appliance901 has acontainer903 and alid assembly909. Thelid assembly909 comprises acover911, aclosure member913, and adiaphragm915 disposed between the cover and the closure member. The illustratedcover911,closure member913, anddiaphragm915 are substantially the same as thecover711,closure member713, anddiaphragm715 illustrated inFIG. 28 and therefore will not be described in detail.

Thecontainer903 of thedrinking appliance901 has a bottom905, a top907, and a generallycylindrical side wall906 extending between the bottom and the top. Thecylindrical side wall906 hasexternal threads927 thereon for mating withinternal threads937 on thecover911. The bottom905 includes aflange916 defining aport922 in fluid communication with the interior space of thecontainer903. In the illustrated embodiment, aflexible tubing924 fluidly connects a source ofliquid926 to thecontainer903. The source ofliquid926 provides liquid to the drinking apparatus for consumption by the user. In one suitable embodiment, thedrinking apparatus901 can be used to supply hospital patients with water (or other drinkable liquids). In this embodiment, the source ofliquid926 can be a bag of water hanging from a conventional IV pole. In another embodiment, thedrinking apparatus901 can be used in conjunction with a “beer helmet” or “beer hat” (i.e., headwear adapted to hold one or more containers of beer or other beverage). Liquid can be provided to thedrinking apparatus901 from the source ofliquid926 via gravity or by pressurization of the source ofliquid926.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the various versions, embodiment(s) or aspects thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The use of terms indicating a particular orientation (e.g., “top”, “bottom”, “side”, etc.) is for convenience of description and does not require any particular orientation of the item described.

As various changes could be made in the above without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (29)

1. A leak resistant drinking cup comprising:

a container having a liquid chamber for receiving and holding a quantity of liquid for drinking, the container having an open top; and

a lid assembly adapted for removable attachment to the container for selectively closing the open top, the lid assembly comprising:

a liquid discharge member through which liquid in the container exits the cup during drinking;

a closure member adapted for placement adjacent the open top of the container when the lid assembly is attached to the container;

a flexible diaphragm disposed at least in part between the liquid discharge member and the closure member, the diaphragm being moveable between a sealed position in which the diaphragm blocks the flow of liquid from the container to the liquid discharge member, and an unsealed position in which liquid is permitted to flow from the container to the liquid discharge member, the diaphragm being moveable from the sealed position to the unsealed position by a vacuum applied to the diaphragm by a user sucking on the liquid discharge member, the vacuum causing the diaphragm to flex toward the container and at least in part away from the closure member and thereby move the diaphragm from the sealed position to the unsealed position; and

at least one protuberance positioned between an upper surface of the closure member and a lower surface of the diaphragm, the at least one protuberance configured as a stop to control flexing of the diaphragm with respect to the closure member.

2. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the closure member is adapted for releasable coupling with the diaphragm.

3. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 2 wherein the diaphragm includes a sealing member and the closure member includes a central opening, the sealing member being configured for insertion through the central opening of the closure member to releasably couple the closure member with the diaphragm, the sealing member being adapted to form a seal with a portion of the closure member adjacent the central opening in the sealed position of the diaphragm.

4. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 3 wherein the closure member and the diaphragm cooperatively define a vacuum chamber in communication with the liquid discharge member such that the vacuum is drawn on the vacuum chamber when the user sucks on the liquid discharge member.

5. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the closure member includes the at least one protuberance that acts as a fulcrum about which the diaphragm flexes during movement of the diaphragm between the sealed position and the unsealed position.

6. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the at least one protuberance acts as the stop upon flexure of the diaphragm.

7. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 1 further comprising a cover selectively engageable with the container, the cover and container cooperatively capturing the diaphragm when the cover is engaged with the container.

8. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the diaphragm and the liquid discharge member are formed as one-piece.

9. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 8 wherein the liquid discharge member is a spout.

10. A leak resistant drinking cup comprising:

a container having a liquid chamber for receiving and holding a quantity of liquid for drinking, the container having an open top; and

a lid assembly adapted for removable attachment to the container for selectively closing the open top, the lid assembly comprising:

a liquid discharge member for allowing liquid in the container to exit the cup during drinking;

a flexible diaphragm moveable between a sealed position in which the diaphragm blocks the flow of liquid from the container to the liquid discharge member, and an unsealed position in which liquid is permitted to flow from the container to the liquid discharge member, the diaphragm being biased toward the sealed position and away from the container;

a closure member cooperative with the diaphragm to define a vacuum chamber within the lid assembly and separate from the liquid chamber within the container; and

at least one protuberance positioned between an upper surface of the closure member and a lower surface of the diaphragm, the at least one protuberance configured as a stop to control flexing of the diaphragm with respect to the closure member.

11. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 10, wherein the vacuum chamber has a first volume when the diaphragm is in the sealed position and a second volume when the diaphragm is in the unsealed position, the second volume being less than the first volume.

12. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 11 wherein the closure member is adapted for releasable coupling with the diaphragm.

13. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 11 wherein the diaphragm includes an outwardly extending stem and a mushroom-shaped tip attached to the stem, the closure member including a central opening and being releasably coupled to the diaphragm upon insertion of the mushroom-shaped tip of the diaphragm through the central opening.

14. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 13 wherein the mushroom-shaped tip includes a slit therein to provide a one-way valve to relieve excessive vacuum inside the container.

15. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 10 wherein the closure member includes the at least one protuberance that acts as a fulcrum about which the diaphragm flexes during movement of the diaphragm between the sealed position and the unsealed position.

16. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 10 wherein the at least one protuberance acts as the stop upon flexure of the diaphragm.

17. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 10 further comprising a cover selectively engageable with the container, the cover and container cooperatively capturing the diaphragm when the cover is engaged with the container.

18. A leak resistant drinking cup comprising:

a container having a liquid chamber for receiving and holding a quantity of liquid for drinking, the container having an open top; and

a lid assembly adapted for removable attachment to the container for selectively closing the open top, the lid assembly comprising:

a liquid discharge member for allowing liquid in the container to exit the cup during drinking;

a closure member adapted for placement adjacent the open top of the container when the lid assembly is attached to the container;

a flexible diaphragm moveable between a sealed position in which the diaphragm blocks the flow of liquid from the container to the liquid discharge member, and an unsealed position in which liquid is permitted to flow from the container to the liquid discharge member, wherein the diaphragm is urged toward its sealed position by pressure within the container and

at least one protuberance positioned between an upper surface of the closure member and a lower surface of the diaphragm, the at least one protuberance configured as a stop to control flexing of the diaphragm with respect to the closure member.

19. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 18 wherein the container is a rigid container.

20. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 18 wherein the container is a non-rigid container.

21. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 20 wherein squeezing the non-rigid container increases the pressure within the liquid chamber of the container thereby urging the sealing member toward its sealed position.

22. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 18 wherein the closure is configured to direct liquid within the container toward the diaphragm when the cup is tilted for drinking.

23. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 18 further comprising a fluid guide tube for guiding liquid within the liquid chamber of the container toward the flexible diaphragm.

24. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 18 wherein the closure member is configured to close the open top of the container when the lid assembly is attached to the container, the closure member being sized to cover the entire open top of the container.

25. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 18 wherein the at least one protuberance comprises at least one upper protuberance arranged annularly about the closure member, the upper protuberance configured to act as a fulcrum about which the diaphragm flexes.

26. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 18 wherein the at least one protuberance comprises at least one annular rib extending upward from the closure member.

27. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 26 wherein the at least one annular rib comprises a plurality of elongated ribs spaced apart from each other such that a gap is defined between adjacent ribs of the plurality of ribs.

28. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 18 further comprising a mounting band extending about a circumference of the closure member, the mounting band extending above an upper surface of the closure member.

29. The leak resistant drinking cup as set forth inclaim 18 wherein the at least one protuberance is spaced inwardly from a circumferential edge of the closure member.

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